Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future to Be Decided Before the 2026 NBA Draft

Milwaukee co-owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters the Bucks will resolve Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status within six to seven weeks, “before the draft is a natural time.” The deadline aligns with the NBA draft lottery on June 23, 2026. The Bucks finished 2025-26 at 32-50, missing the playoffs for the first time after a nine-year streak, and Antetokounmpo appeared in only 36 games due to injuries.

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Haslam and general manager Jon Horst are steering the decision. New head coach Taylor Jenkins was informed that “Giannis may or may not be with us.” Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, is entering the second year of a three-year, $175 million contract with a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28 and eligibility for a four-year, $275 million extension in October.

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Haslam described the relationship with Antetokounmpo as “positive,” adding, “we never had any problem communicating directly with Giannis – at all – and always knew where he stood.” He also said the club will “do what’s best for Giannis and what’s best for the organization.” Jenkins confirmed Antetokounmpo “expressed tremendous excitement for me and my family,” indicating ongoing dialogue despite the coaching change.

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A few media outlets have suggested strained communication between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo; Haslam refuted those claims, emphasizing open dialogue. Sources differ on Antetokounmpo’s 2025-26 game total (36 played vs. 46 missed) and on the exact value of a potential extension ($275 million versus $273.3 million). No concrete trade offers have been disclosed.

Bucks Co-Owner Jimmy Haslam Addresses Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future

Analysts list the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets as plausible suitors. The Heat’s earlier proposal centered on Tyler Herro and draft picks; the Celtics are linked to a Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown package; the Knicks have been cited as Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination. A pre-draft decision will dictate Milwaukee’s roster path: retaining Antetokounmpo could anchor a championship-contending rebuild, while trading him would likely bring a haul of draft assets to accelerate a long-term rebuild. The timing also influences other teams’ draft-day positioning.

Heavy

• “I just think before the draft is a natural time, right, because if Giannis does play somewhere else, we ought to get a lot of assets,” — Jimmy Haslam

Milwaukee Bucks set deadline for decision on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future

• “We will do what's best for Giannis and what's best for the organization.” — Jimmy Haslam

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• “He's a phenomenal player, he's a phenomenal person, he's arguably one of the best basketball players in the world," Haslam said.” — Jimmy Haslam

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• “He's expressed tremendous excitement for me and my family.” — Taylor Jenkins

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The Bucks aim to announce Antetokounmpo’s status by the June 23 draft. Subsequent trade negotiations or extension talks will intensify, shaping Milwaukee’s draft approach and the broader offseason market for elite talent.

Heat finally have glimmer of hope as Giannis trade saga receives expiration date